Two arrested after attempt to rob traveler in Ventura

Two Oxnard men were arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly trying to rob a resting traveler at a Harbor Boulevard motel in Ventura, and police later found stolen property in their vehicle that could link them to auto thefts in the nearby Pierpont area.

Ventura police said Christopher Barajas and Jaime Duenes, both 23, were arrested after trying to rob a 37-year-old Campbell man who was in the parking lot at Motel 6, 2145 E. Harbor Blvd., around 2 a.m. Saturday, taking a break from traveling.

The man, Brian Judd, who was traveling with his two children, told officers he was resting in his car when a suspect he later identified as Duenas approached on foot and told him he was going to take his money. Barajas blocked Judd from driving away using a vehicle.

The pair fled after the robbery was unsuccessful. Judd flagged down nearby CHP units, who alerted Ventura police, who were able to find the two suspects in the area. A search of their vehicle uncovered cell phones, papers and numerous other personal property items taken from vehicles owned by people living on Sharon Lane in Pierpont.

Police believe the two broke into the cars shortly before attempting to rob Judd.

Barajas and Duenes were each booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of three felonies — attempted robbery, grand theft and conspiracy. Bail for Barajas was set at $110,000 and bail for Duenes at $65,000. Both remained in custody Saturday night and are to appear in court on Wednesday, according to jail records.